Introduction to Assistive Technology

How many of you are reading this blog from a smart phone? How many of you are using your hand to manipulate the keyboard or touch screen? How many of you would feel lost without everyday access to your smart phone or computer? I know I would feel lost….

My passion for assistive technology (AT) evolved from a love to communicate with my family and friends. I most commonly use social media, my iPhone, or my computer to e-mail (since face-to-face communication is becoming a thing of the past, kidding!).  What is assistive technology? According to the Assistive Technology Industry Association= “AT is any item, piece of equipment, soft-ware or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” 

AT can be low tech, mid tech, or high tech:

• Low tech includes devices that do not require much training, are relatively inexpensive and do not have complex mechanical features. For example, here is an image of a communication board made of cardboard and paper. I made this for a pre-school aged student who is dependent for mobility and does not verbally communicate. The communication board allows her to indicate where she would like to go for center time. Her paraprofessional shows this communication board to her and she points to the location she wants to play. This simple low tech AT device facilitates independence in the least restrictive environment of the classroom while she is surrounded by peers.

                         

Example of: Low Tech AT, Communication Board 

                                                                           

• Mid tech AT includes devices that may be electronic or battery operated, they may also require a small amount of training for use. For example, it is common for patients to struggle when attempting to activate their call light during a hospital stay. I have found that using a large, easy to activate switch mounted in the proper position can be an effective way to increase successful use of a call light. Being able to activate a call light independently is HUGE for a patient to get nursing attention when they want or need it (major safety factor). Also, being able to active a call light is the first step to becoming empowered to direct one’s own cares. Can you imagine needing a drink of water but not being able to get it because you can’t press your call light? Mid tech AT is a great resolution for this type of problem.  See the image below of a single switch that can be mounted to a bed or chair for increased patient access.    

Example of: Mid Tech AT, Single switch that can be mounted (image from google.images)

• High tech AT refers to the most complex devices or equipment, they may be computerized and will likely require training and effort to learn. One example is a program called Dragon Naturally Speaking (DNS). DNS is voice recognition software that was created for individuals who have limited to no hand function. DNS learns your voice and interacts with a computer to complete any task you desire. Part of my rotation is in an inpatient rehab setting where I am currently working with a high-school aged student who has a C5 spinal cord injury. He plans to graduate from high school and attend college next fall so his needs are both academic and leisure related computer use. While practicing DNS commands we were browsing his Facebook where I came across a post he made earlier in the week. It said “I love it when people show off……by picking up a cup”. His sense a humor and drive amaze me. Even though he is unable to do something as common as pick up a cup, high tech AT allows him to independently use Facebook, check his bank account, type a word document, and text his friends. See the image below for an example of someone using Dragon Naturally Speaking.  

Example of: Individual using DNS (imaged retrieved from google.images)

****note: There are MANY more examples of assistive technology, the ones mentioned in this blog are devices that I am becoming familiar with through my rotation.

• For more information on Assistive Technology visit: http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

• For more information on Dragon Naturally Speaking visit: http://www.nuance.com/dragon/index.htm

Stay tuned for future postings regarding accessibility of smart phones and tablets….and lots of other fun AT things!

 

All images in this blog were collected from Google images.